MARKETS CALL FOR REGIONAL COORDINATION IN PACIFIC JUMBO SQUID FISHERY

Markets Call for Regional Coordination in Pacific Jumbo Squid Fishery

SFP and Pesca Sustentable Discuss Three Key Message at CONXEMAR 2025

At the international CONXEMAR 2025 fair, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) and Pesca Sustentable brought together industry leaders, European market representatives, and delegates from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) producing countries to analyse the status of the resource and its market impacts.

The panel, “Jumbo Squid: Science, Management, and Markets,” emphasized three key points: the need for regional cooperation, growing market uncertainty from fluctuating supply, and increased demand for traceability and responsible production across the value chain.

A Resource Under Pressure

Jumbo squid, the world’s largest cephalopod fishery by volume, is facing environmental variability, limited regional stock data, and a lack of coordinated management among producing countries. These issues create commercial uncertainty, particularly in Europe—the main destination market—where declining yields and recent fishing bans have raised concerns.

Science-Based Regional Management Needed

Panelists agreed that stabilising supply requires stronger cooperation within the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO), harmonised measures, and improved scientific data.

Alfonso Miranda, President of CALAMASUR, said:

“Chile and Peru have made significant progress, but without a stronger regional response within SPRFMO, the risk remains. Coordination among countries to improve stock assessment and adopt compatible management rules is indispensable. The market should drive these improvements by conditioning access on traceability and the fight against IUU fishing.”

Yobana Bermúdez, General Director of CONXEMAR, added:

“Jumbo flying squid is a key resource for Spain and Europe. The EU’s new traceability requirements aim to ensure a stable supply and better management. Coastal States must coordinate to guarantee transparency and supply stability, facilitating access to European markets under strict HACCP standards.”

Sindy Parraguez of Matsuoka Co., Ltd. noted:

“Instability in Peru directly affected our planning. Reliable information—like Chile’s catch data—is vital for strategy and client communication. Traceability and consistent reporting are now competitive advantages.”

Traceability and Responsibility as Market Conditions

Participants stressed that international buyers expect greater traceability, compliance, and environmental and social accountability across the supply chain. Expanding digital traceability, legal origin controls, and standardized reporting will help reduce uncertainty and maintain market confidence.

Organisers urged immediate action to:

• Strengthen coordination within SPRFMO with regionally aligned stock assessments and management measures.
• Promote public-private traceability and transparency initiatives.
• Improve real-time data sharing to support business planning and adaptive management..
• Adopt an ecosystem-based management approach that considers trophic interactions, habits and impact mitigation.

Maintaining stable jumbo squid supply will depend on swift progress in management, traceability, and cooperation. Without firm commitment, the fishery risks decline that could affect the entire value chain.

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